Gauteng MEC for Finance, Mr Mandla Nkomfe, hosted a post budget presentation roundtable with leaders of civil society and business to further thrash out details on the Gauteng 2010/11 budget.
Through this budget, MEC Nkomfe had led the assault against fragmented delivery yesterday by being the first MEC to table an action oriented budget based on funding outcomes rather than departments. This approach ensures that the various departments are compelled to work together to deliver the required outcome, making redundant the silo approach to service delivery.
In keeping with the ANC’s commitment to drive accelerated service delivery through a consultative and decisive decision making process, MEC Nkomfe sought to solicit views on how best to fast track government delivery following his presentation on the spending priorities. The discussion was co-hosted with ABSA as a sponsor under the theme: “Financing for Development”.
The discussion’s main aim was for government and the private sector to jointly pursue various ways of additional funding for the Gauteng province. The Gauteng government will have to raise over 20 billion rands to meet all of its priorities, with the emphasis being on better housing, upgrading transport infrastructure, health and the building of schools.
MEC Nkomfe, Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu Econometrix Economist Tony Twine and Gauteng Planning Commission Head Ignatius Jacobs constituted the panel with E-TV anchor, Nikiwe Bikitsha as programme director.
In his presentation, the Economist, Tony Twine explained the dynamics of economics in terms of allocation of scarce resources. Twine reiterated that there is no such thing as “free lunch” and “enough money”. He pointed out that the new approach from the government in terms of allocation of funds should be to get more results with fewer resources; a move welcomed by the MEC for Finance Mandla Nkomfe.
Speaking at the session, Head of the Gauteng Planning Commission, Ignatius Jacobs, highlighted the work that will be done by the commission in the quest for effective and integrating planning in Gauteng, emphasising:
* a need for effective monitoring of departments and planning
* an activist approach to solving issues
* collaborative and supportive approach to working with departments that rather a confrontational, competitive or interfering stance
* offering sound stewardship to departments as the Gauteng Planning Commission
* the establishment of the premier’s advisory council and delivery project office
Issue by: Department of Finance, Gauteng Provincial Government
5 March 2010
Source: Department of Finance, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.finance.gpg.gov.za/)
